Doc Rivers called the officiating “a complete joke” after the Clippers‘ 96-101 loss to the Rockets on Thursday. In a story by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Rivers complained that Houston shot 15 more free throws even though the Clippers attacked the paint more often. Doc Rivers calls officiating 'a complete joke' https://t.co/ZRolzvZ5Kk #Clippers pic.twitter.com/KvBX55WCv1 — ESPNLosAngeles […]

Kawhi Leonard could return to the Spurs’ lineup this week from a nagging right quad injury, but point guard Tony Parker cautions that it may not be such a smooth transition for the two-time NBA All-Star.

Head coach Gregg Popovich is set to meet with Leonard today to determine the course of action going forward.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tony-parker-kawhi-leonards-return-wont-easy/feed/02018 NBAESAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 28: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 28, 2018 at the AT&amp;T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)Draymond Green: Pelicans More Impressive Than Rocketshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/draymond-green-pelicans-impressive-rockets/
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“Houston has had a good one but I’m most impressed with New Orleans,” Draymond Green told reporters after shootaround on Thursday. “With some of the games they’ve won; with some of the numbers that AD (Anthony Davis) has put up has been incredible.

“And then doing that without DeMarcus. I think there was kind of a consensus around the world that once DeMarcus (Cousins) went out, that they’d struggle. Yet, AD has put them boys on his back and they’re on a 10-game wining streak … that’s impressive.”

Harden finished (as the MVP) runner-up in 2015 and 2017.

“Both of those years, he lost to historic seasons — Steph (Curry) was just off the charts, and then (Russell Westbrook) had 50 triple-doubles last year,” Draymond told reporters. “You knew it wouldn’t be long before he actually does pull through and win one. And then I know if you’re him, you’re sitting there like, ‘Man, now here comes AD.’ … he’s put himself in the best position he possibly can that’s for sure.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/draymond-green-pelicans-impressive-rockets/feed/02018 Sean GardnerNEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball past Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)Report: Cavs, Lakers, Rockets, Sixers On LeBron’s Free Agency Listhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-cavs-lakers-rockets-sixers-lebron-james-free-agent-list/
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Where will LeBron James end up? The King can opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this summer, and fans across the country have already begun to recruit him. According to The Ringer‘s Kevin O’Connor, James has only four teams on his “list” right now: I’ve consistently heard from […]

Raptors 106 (46-17), Hawks 90 (20-45) A meeting between the NBA’s best home team and worst road team went just as expected, with the Raptors weathering a fairly lackluster first three quarters to crush the Hawks in the final frame. Atlanta led 77-76 entering the fourth but ran out of gas as Toronto’s bench took […]

A meeting between the NBA’s best home team and worst road team went just as expected, with the Raptors weathering a fairly lackluster first three quarters to crush the Hawks in the final frame. Atlanta led 77-76 entering the fourth but ran out of gas as Toronto’s bench took over, showcasing the crazy depth the Raptors have. Dwane Casey stuck with his reserves down the stretch, allowing him to play all of his starters 28 minutes or less. DeMar DeRozan paced Toronto with 25 points.

The Hawks committed 21 turnovers and 25 fouls, which let the Raptors (who struggled from three-point range) clean up at the free throw line. Not the best Raptors’ performance of the season but it was more than enough.

76ers 128 (35-28), Hornets 114 (28-37)

Under Steve Clifford, the Hornets have prided themselves on being a stout defensive team that makes its opponent work hard to get easy buckets. On Tuesday night, that wasn’t the case. Philly scored at will, dropping 71 first half points and hitting a remarkable 50 field goals (16 of which were threes) en route to a pretty easy win.

Ben Simmons (16 points on 8-9 shooting, 8 rebounds, 13 assists) was incredible and it rubbed off on the rest of his teammates. Every 76ers starter scored at least 14 points with new additions Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova reaching double figures off the bench.

Continuing his bounceback season, Dwight Howard (30 points, 6 rebounds) picked up the slack for a Hornets team that got almost nothing — five points on 1-9 shooting — from Kemba Walker. Philly had nearly as many assists (35) as Charlotte had field goals (40).

Wizards 117 (37-28), Heat 113 (34-31) – OT

The Heat had almost no business being in this game but, if a missed five-second call was made and/or a point-blank Dwyane Wade floater went down, Miami would have stolen a win. Washington came out of the gate strong, leading 27-9 in the first quarter and holding sizeable advantages throughout the second half. However, Miami kept coming back and forced overtime with a Wade three-point play at the end of regulation.

Then, down 114-113 with 12.2 seconds left in the extra period, the Heat fell victim to a big officiating oversight. Markieff Morris appeared to take well over five seconds to inbound the ball but got away with it, allowing Tomas Satoransky to split a pair of free throws. A few seconds later, with a chance to tie up the score again, Wade found himself alone in the paint only to blow an open floater that may have extended the game. The loss pushed Miami to No. 8 in the East.

Bradley Beal scored a game-high 30 points on 16 shots to go with with six rebounds and seven assists.

Rockets 122 (50-13), Thunder 112 (37-29)

Absolutely nothing can stop Houston right now, which extended its winning streak to 16 games. The Rockets haven’t lost since January 26th and are 35-3 with both James Harden (23 points, 11 assists, 10 turnovers) and Chris Paul (25 points) in the lineup. When they shoot as well as they did in Oklahoma City — over 53 percent from the field and over 51 percent from three — they’re essentially unstoppable.

The balanced scoring, with all nine guys to suit up scoring 6+ points, makes them even scarier in a playoff series. OKC was led by Russell Westbrook (32 points, 7 assists, 9 turnovers) and was able to keep it a game until the end but never was able to make a real push. The Thunder got just 21 bench points. Melo added 23 points and moved ahead of Jerry West for 20th place on the all-time scoring list.

Yogi Ferrell (24 points on 11 shots) and Dirk Nowitzki (17 points) combined to go 11-for-14 from beyond the arc to shoot the Mavs past the Nuggets and snap a three-game skid. Dallas, as a team, made 15 threes. Dennis Smith Jr. added an 18-point, 11-assist double-double. The Mavs used a big third quarter — in which they outscored Denver 38-23 — to take a lead they wouldn’t give up.

The Nuggets’ road struggles continued as they fell to 11-20 away from Pepsi Center on the season. They also fell just out of the playoff picture in the West. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were basically non-factors as Wilson Chandler (21 points) was the only Denver starter to have a decent shooting night.

Trail Blazers 111 (39-26), Knicks 87 (24-41)

It feels like ages ago that people were questioning if Portland was having a disappointing season. The Blazers have now won eight in a row and, in third place in the West, are leading the pack of “good teams not named the Rockets or Warriors.” The biggest reason for Portland’s recent surge? Damian Lillard. Lillard, a night after dropping 39 points in a win over the Lakers, took it to another level against the Knicks.

Dame needed just 18 shots and 32 minutes to put up 37 as Portland cruised by New York. He went 8-for-11 from three and was simply unstoppable. C.J. McCollum (19 points) chipped in as the Blazers went a ridiculous 20-for-33 from deep. He’s incredible most nights but on the ones when he’s pulling up from 30+ feet, forget it.

Warriors 114 (50-14), Nets 101 (20-45)

The first half was a wild one, with the Warriors ripping off a 25-0 first quarter run to take an early 21-point lead only to be down at the break following a Nets 33-9 spurt. The sides went back-and-forth for much of the third quarter before Golden State started to break away with a 18-3 kick that put Brooklyn away.

Brooklyn couldn’t buy a three, going 9-for-34, and without a viable interior scoring option, went cold. D’Angelo Russell (22 points, 8 assists) was the Nets’ best player but couldn’t keep up with Stephen Curry (34 points on 20 shots) or Kevin Durant (19 points).

Pelicans 121 (37-26), Clippers 116 (34-29)

There just isn’t enough praise you can give to Anthony Davis at this point. Despite DeMarcus Cousins‘ season-ending injury and the West being as tough as it’s been in awhile, AD and the Pelicans just keep pushing. He put up 41 points and 13 rebounds in LA tonight for New Orleans’ ninth-straight win. Jrue Holiday (19 points, 17 assists) wasn’t particularly efficient offensively but made the defensive play of the game, stripping Lou Williams late to seal the victory.

LA came up short in yet another Players Only TNT comeback, making up a 16-point fourth quarter deficit to actually take a four-point lead with two minutes left to play. That’s when AD took over, making New Orleans’ last three field goals including a tough turnaround jumper to break a 113-113 tie.

The win moved the Pelicans up a half-game over idle San Antonio and Minnesota into the No. 4 seed in the tough and muddled West. It’s a tenuous spot for sure but with AD playing like a MVP candidate, no one wants to take on the Pellies right now.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart was fined $15,000 by NBA for criticizing the officials after Boston’s 123-120 loss to the Rockets on Saturday. Smart said that playing against James Harden is “pretty much like you’re playing in foul trouble.” He added: “You can’t really play the defense that you want, because you know nine times out […]

Celtics guard Marcus Smart was fined $15,000 by NBA for criticizing the officials after Boston’s 123-120 loss to the Rockets on Saturday.

Smart said that playing against James Harden is “pretty much like you’re playing in foul trouble.”

He added: “You can’t really play the defense that you want, because you know nine times out of 10 he’s going to get those calls. It doesn’t matter whether your hands are up or not. He still gets them.”

NEW YORK, March 6, 2018 – Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart has been fined $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The comments were made following the Celtics’ 123-120 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday, March 3 at Toyota Center.

Led by MVP favorite James Harden, the Houston Rockets have won 15 straight and lead the entire NBA with a 49-13 record. But most people believe the Warriors, currently half a game behind Houston in the standings, are still the superior squad. Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen knows Golden State probably has another gear, but […]

Led by MVP favorite James Harden, the Houston Rockets have won 15 straight and lead the entire NBA with a 49-13 record.

But most people believe the Warriors, currently half a game behind Houston in the standings, are still the superior squad.

Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen knows Golden State probably has another gear, but says the Rockets are “the best team today,” via ESPN:

They’re the best team today. But I don’t know if they’re going to be the best team come June. I do realize that the Golden State Warriors are in a comfort zone right now. They have another level that they can raise their game obviously.

The Rockets are on a 14-game win streak and have the best record in the NBA, but James Harden insists Houston still has to prove themselves. Speaking to the media on Friday, Harden said, “We’re not at a time to relax at all.” Harden: “We’re not at a place we can get comfortable and say […]

The Rockets are on a 14-game win streak and have the best record in the NBA, but James Harden insists Houston still has to prove themselves.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Harden said, “We’re not at a time to relax at all.”

Harden: “We’re not at a place we can get comfortable and say we have the best record in the league. We still have to prove ourselves. We all have that in the back of our minds. We’re not at a time to relax at all. We know how important this opportunity is."

“Maybe we do end up playing the Rockets, and, you know, I like our chances no matter who we play,” Green said. “But we do know that they’re a threat. They’ve added some great pieces and as it’s been highly publicized, that team is built to be us.

“Noted. Great. We’ll see y’all soon.”

Green did make it clear that there is no guarantee that the two teams will meet in a playoff series.

“There are so many good teams that we’ll have to take down to even get to that point. And the Rockets as well.”

“What are they supposed to say? If I was in the same shoes, I would say the same thing,” Curry told reporters. “We were probably saying the same stuff four years ago when we were chasing our first championship.

“I would either think they were lying or be seriously concerned if they were saying anything different … there is so much time before we actually can battle it out on the court — not just with Houston, but all the other teams in the West — fighting for that conference championship.

“Everybody’s gotta have that confidence—whether it’s rational or not.”

Harden scored 17 of his 25 points in the first quarter, but claimed he wasn’t trying to stare down the floored Johnson.

“I was just trying to figure out what he was doing,” Harden said. “I didn’t know.

“I was looking at him and he was looking at me,” Harden said. “I was thinking, ‘What are you doing?’ I was going to shoot it, but I was waiting to figure out what was going on. I was confused. And then I shot it.”

Rockets 105 (48-13), Clippers 92 (32-28) The Rockets beat the Clippers to finish a perfect February and win their 14th in a row. But what fans will really remember was a play in the first quarter when James Harden pulled off one of the most disrespectful moves you’ll ever see. JAMES HARDEN. This is legendary. […]

The Rockets beat the Clippers to finish a perfect February and win their 14th in a row. But what fans will really remember was a play in the first quarter when James Harden pulled off one of the most disrespectful moves you’ll ever see.

That shouldn’t be allowed. The Rockets jumped all over the Clippers early, and while L.A. was able to cut the deficit to a respectable margin in the second half, Houston was never truly threatened. Harden had 25 to lead the way and Tobias Harris had 24 for the Clippers.

Pistons 110 (29-32), Bucks 87 (33-28)

Andre Drummond had 15 points and 16 rebounds as the Pistons dominated the Bucks inside en route to a 23-point victory. Overall, Detroit out-rebounded Milwaukee 57-35 and outscored the Bucks 56-34 in the paint. Eric Bledsoe and Stanley Johnson each had 19 points to lead all scorers.

Toronto’s red-hot stretch continued as DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points to lead the Raptors to their 11th win in 13 games. Kyle Lowry had 17 more on 4-8 shooting from three and Toronto shot 54 percent from the field overall. In a game that was close most of the way, the Raptors closed on a 20-8 run. Evan Fournier and Mario Hezonja each had 17 to lead the Magic.

After the Hawks mascot and Victor Oladipoengaged in a heated game of rock, paper, scissors, Atlanta pulled off a close win in a game that left Pacers coach Nate McMillan frustrated. McMillan said the Pacers got outworked, and to make matters worse, they committed 24 turnovers. Bojan Bogdanovic had 26 to lead the Pacers and John Collins had 16 for Atlanta.

Celtics 134 (44-19), Hornets 106 (28-34)

Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker dueled in the first half, each putting up more than 20 points, but Irving and the Celtics got the better of Charlotte in the second half. The Celtics outscored the Hornets 36-20 in the third quarter to take control and they never looked back. Irving had 34 points on 13-18 shooting and Walker finished with 23. The Celtics are now 4-0 since the All-Star Break.

Kevin Durant had 32 points in a homecoming game in DC to help the Warriors hold off the Wizards. Otto Porter Jr. had 29 to lead Washington, but as a team, the Wizards shot just 40 percent. Golden State has now won four in a row and seven out of eight.

It took until the last day of the month, but the Suns finally won a game in February. They snapped their 10-game losing streak behind 34 points from Devin Booker and 29 from Josh Jackson. On the other side, the Grizzlies have now lost 11 in a row and went 0-for-February. They were led by Marc Gasol, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Dwight Powell sent the game to overtime on a put-back at the buzzer, but Russell Westbrook won it for the Thunder in the extra session on a three-point play. Westbrook finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Powell had a career-high 21 points and Harrison Barnes led Dallas with 26. Dirk Nowitzki had 12 more and became the sixth player in NBA history to surpass 31,000 points in his career.

The Pelicans trailed by as many as 15, but outscored the Spurs 34-21 in the fourth quarter to come back and win. Even worse for the already-short-handed Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge went down with an ankle injury in the first half and did not return. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Pelicans, who have now won seven in a row. Rudy Gay had 19 for the Spurs.

“This is the year. For sure,” Harden told ESPN on Tuesday in an exclusive interview when asked what his expectations for the Rockets are this season.

When asked how the Rockets, who are in the midst of a 13-game win streak and have the best record in the NBA at 47-13 (a half-game ahead of the Golden State Warriors), are coming together post-All-Star break, Harden couldn’t help but gush about how great the season has been and how this team is probably the best one on which he has ever played.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-year-sure/feed/02018 NBAESALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 26, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: The Land Is Backhttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-up-the-land-is-back/
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Raptors 115 (40-16), Heat 112 (30-27) The Raps just keep rolling at home. They used a monster third quarter to overcome a slow start and build a lead that would hold, albeit barely, for the rest of the night. Kyle Lowry breaking out the HORSE buzzer-beater 😂😂 (via @TheRenderNBA) pic.twitter.com/a7yXiGL4Te — SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) February […]

Toronto led by 17 at the end of three and looked poised to run away with this one, but the Heat didn’t go away. Miami used a furious 16-2 run to make this one a game and cut the deficit to 114-112 with under seven seconds to go on a Wayne Ellington three. After C.J. Miles split a pair of free throws, the Heat had a chance to send this one to overtime but Josh Richardson‘s heave hit off the back rim.

The revamped Cavs have only played two games with each other but, so far, they’re making GM Koby Altman look like a genius. Cleveland was in control basically from start to finish and got contributions from the whole roster. LeBron (37 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) did LeBron things but it was the play of JR Smith (18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three) and some of the new pickups that allowed Cleveland to hold off the Thunder.

There’s no doubt this Cavs team is more dedicated on the defensive end than the pre-deadline Cavs were, and also just seems to be having more fun. It also helps that they got a lot younger and much more athletic. Oklahoma City got 21+ points from each of the Core Four of Russ (also had 12 assists), PG, Melo and Steven Adams (had 17 rebounds) but only had 20 points from the rest of the roster.

Bucks 97 (32-24), Hawks 92 (18-40)

It wasn’t the most impressive W for the Bucks, who almost blew a 13-point fourth quarter lead, but it kept Milwaukee’s strong play under interim head coach Joe Prunty going. The Bucks have won nine of their last 11 games, with the hot stretch starting the day Jason Kidd was fired.

When James Harden scores 34 points, dishes out 13 assists and commits only one turnover, the Rockets are almost unstoppable. The Timberwolves experienced that firsthand. Houston popped 22 threes on just 47 attempts, with both Harden and Ryan Anderson hitting 6 triples apiece. Also, as Rockets GM Daryl Morey noted, they made history.

The game tonight was a great reminder how special this group is. A different player steps up every night. The 10 three-pointers made in the 4th quarter are an NBA record.

Minnesota, of all teams, is pretty well constructed to match up with the Rockets but even the Timberwolves couldn’t stop them tonight. The win moves Houston to within a half-game of the Warriors for the top spot in the West. Karl-Anthony Towns scored an efficient 35 points on 12-of-16 shooting (with 12 rebounds) to lead the way for the home team.

Kings 114 (18-38), Mavericks 109 (18-40)

In a lost season for the Kings, Zach Randolph has been a bright spot. The veteran forward has expanded his range significantly and keeps getting buckets as one of the elder statesman on such a young Sacramento team. His 22 points (in 26 minutes) helped the Kings build an insurmountable halftime lead. Standout rookie Bogdan Bogdanovic helped out with 19. Sacramento had a season-high 30 assists on 47 field goals.

Six Mavericks scored in double figures with J.J. Barea (19 points, 13 assists) the high man. Dwight Powell — who has seen his role increase as of late — scored 18 points for his fifth 17+ point performance in his last six games.

Nuggets 117 (31-26), Spurs 109 (35-24)

The Spurs fell victim to the dreaded “second half of a back-to-back in Denver” and just ran out of gas in the fourth quarter after playing well for 36 minutes. With LaMarcus Aldridge out until after the All-Star break and Manu Ginobili leaving the game early with a sore right foot, San Antonio just didn’t have many healthy bodies left by the end of this one.

Tony Parker (17 points) and Joffrey Lauvergne (26 points on 12-of-15 shooting with 12 rebounds) were the only two Spurs who were good from start to finish on Tuesday night, and it wasn’t enough. Another triple-double for Nikola Jokic (of the 23-13-11 variety) and 20 points from Will Barton helped put the Nuggets over the top and continue their dominance at Pepsi Center this season, with Denver improving to 23-7 at home.

Veteran shooting guard Joe Johnson has completed a buyout with the Kings and will join the Houston Rockets, reports ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski: Joe Johnson has committed to signing with Houston once his buyout is complete with Sacramento, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2018 The Kings buyout for Joe Johnson is […]

The Rockets, Celtics and Warriors are reportedly among the NBA title contenders who will attempt to sign Joe Johnson once he hits the buyout market. Johnson, 36, is expected to be bought out by the Kings, who acquired his rights in a three-team deal before Thursday’s deadline. Rockets have been, and are, very interested in […]

Magic 116 (17-36), Cavaliers 98 (30-22) It may be time to panic in Cleveland. With Thursday’s trade deadline creeping up and the Cavs continuing to struggle mightily — they were outscored 65-31 in the second half and scored just nine points in the final frame — GM Koby Altman might have to make a big […]

It may be time to panic in Cleveland. With Thursday’s trade deadline creeping up and the Cavs continuing to struggle mightily — they were outscored 65-31 in the second half and scored just nine points in the final frame — GM Koby Altman might have to make a big move this week, and you definitely can’t blame him for wanting to do so.

LeBron led Cleveland with 25 points and 10 rebounds, but no other Cavalier scored more than 12. After a hot start, Isaiah Thomas (11 points and 8 assists on 3-of-13 shooting) struggled as the Cavs’ offense grinded to a halt after a solid 24 minutes of play. Orlando was led by Jonathon Simmons (34 points on 17 shots) and shot nearly 53 percent from the field as a team, despite Aaron Gordon being sidelined due to injury. That’s three losses in four games for the Cavaliers.

Raptors 111 (37-16), Celtics 91 (39-16)

The NBA’s best home team just keeps on going. The Raptors moved to within just one game of the Atlantic Division-leading Celtics with the W tonight, getting 23 points and 8 rebounds from Kyle Lowry and 20 points from C.J. Miles off the bench. Toronto went 17-for-36 from three and held Boston below 40 percent shooting in Kyrie Irving‘s (17 points in 21 minutes) return to the floor.

Brad Stevens’ squad snapped a four-game winning streak with the loss. The Celtics have slowly ceded ground to the Raptors for the past couple of weeks with Toronto hitting a stride, so the divisional race is as close right now as it has been in awhile and probably will come right down to the end of the season.

Hawks 108 (17-37), Grizzlies 82 (18-35)

Anytime a team commits 25 turnovers, it makes winning in the NBA a pretty tough task. That was too much for the Grizzlies to overcome down in Atlanta, as they went down by 16 at the break and weren’t able to recover. Scoring has been an issue for Memphis all year — even when Mike Conley was healthy — and the struggles have continued. The Grizzlies made just 4 three-pointers all night and were led by reserves Mario Chalmers (13 points) and Ivan Raab (10 points, 11 rebounds).

The Hawks took full advantage of Memphis’ miscues. Dennis Schroder had 22 points on 15 shots while rookie John Collins (15 points, 10 rebounds) made a difference off the bench. Both teams could look different after the deadline, as Tyreke Evans and Marco Belinelli both sat out to stay healthy for potential trades.

Rockets 123 (39-13), Nets 113 (19-36)

It was another one of those games for Chris Paul and James Harden. The Rockets’ stars combined to score 61 points on 20-of-38 shooting to bury a Nets team that hung around for over three quarters before Houston pulled away. Clint Capela (18 points, 11 rebounds) also played well around the rim.

CP3 and Beard both got whatever they wanted offensively. The problem, for awhile, was that was also the case for Brooklyn which got 21 points from trade candidate (and former Rocket) DeMarre Carroll as well as 18 points and 9 assists from Spencer Dinwiddie. Jarrett Allen continued his strong play, posting 16 points. But when the Nets needed stops to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, they just couldn’t get them.

Bucks 103 (30-23), Knicks 89 (23-32)

The awesome matchup of Kristaps Porzingis and Giannis got off to a fun start, as expected, but the excitement was cut short when KP fell awkwardly in the second quarter after throwing down a dunk. He suffered a left knee injury and had to be helped off the floor. A postgame MRI confirmed a torn left ACL, which means KP is done for the rest of the season.

Obviously, that put a damper on the game a bit, at least until Giannis went full Greek Freak on Tim Hardaway Jr. in the second half with possibly the biggest poster of the season. It’s incredible what that dude can do on the floor.

He wound up with 23 points, 11 boards and 6 assists. Eric Bledsoe (23 points, 8 assists) and Khris Middleton (20 points) chipped in. Enes Kanter‘s 19 points and 16 rebounds paced a Knicks team that has lost four in a row and might be without its best player for awhile.

76ers 115 (26-25), Wizards 102 (31-23)

The inconsistent Wizards struck again on Tuesday, as their five-game winning streak was basically ended in the first quarter. Philadelphia exploded to build a 37-20 lead in the opening frame and never looked back, even as Washington threatened to make a move toward the end of regulation.

Bradley Beal‘s 30 points wasn’t enough for the Wizards, who have played well without John Wall but need both Otto Porter (17 points, 8 rebounds) and Kelly Oubre (10 points on 4-of-13 shooting) to step up in his absence for them to tread water in the East.

Washington had no answer for Joel Embiid (27 points, 12 rebounds) or, for that matter, the rest of the 76ers. Philly shot over 55 percent from the field and was 14-for-28 from three with contributions coming from up and down the entire roster. Dario Saric (20 points, 7 rebounds) had a big game.

Lakers 112 (22-31), Suns 93 (18-37)

Don’t look now, but the Lakers are starting to play some pretty good basketball. That’s three straight wins for LA and seven wins in their last nine games, all with Lonzo Ball sidelined. Brandon Ingram (26 points on 12 shots) and Julius Randle (21 points, 8 rebounds) were great again, as was Josh Hart (15 points, 11 rebounds). The youth movement has sparked the winning, which only makes what the Lakers do this summer — when Randle is a restricted free agent — all the more interesting.

Phoenix had no trouble scoring in the first half, even with Devin Booker on the bench, but the shots stopped falling after the break as things slowly slipped away from the Suns. TJ Warren had 24 points in the loss.

Thunder 125 (31-24), Warriors 105 (41-13)

The Russell Westbrook revenge tour continues. A few months after the Thunder crushed the Warriors down in Oklahoma City, the same thing happened in Oakland as the combo of Russ (34 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and Paul George (38 points) was way too much for Golden State. OKC roared out of the gates, scoring 41 first quarter points — 21 of which were from Russ — and the Dubs never really responded.

OKC was like a team possessed at Oracle Arena and — on both ends of the floor — completed dominated play. Kevin Durant got his 33 points and Steph Curry scored 21 in the Thunder’s first win at Golden State since 2013.

Clippers 113 (26-25), Bulls 103 (18-34) Tobias Harris, in his first game as a Clipper, and Danilo Gallinari each scored 24 points to fend off the pesky Bulls. Chicago hung around thanks to 21 points from Zach LaVine, but they couldn’t get over the hump and have now lost six straight games. Pistons 111 (25-26), […]

Tobias Harris, in his first game as a Clipper, and Danilo Gallinari each scored 24 points to fend off the pesky Bulls. Chicago hung around thanks to 21 points from Zach LaVine, but they couldn’t get over the hump and have now lost six straight games.

Pistons 111 (25-26), Heat 107 (29-24)

Andre Drummond showed up big time today, registering 23 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. The Pistons were able to overcome nine ties and eight lead changes, as well as a 33-point performance from first-time All-Star Goran Dragic. Ish Smith scored 25 points and Blake Griffin, in his second game with Detroit, added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

Five Wizards scored in double-figures. Washington, now winners of four straight, built a 24-point lead by dishing out 35 assists.

Rockets 120 (38-13), Cavs 88 (30-21)

Chris Paul had 22 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. And while that’s not the most insane stat line, the 32-year-old dominated the entire game. He started by hitting his first four three-pointers and went on to completely control the tempo, carving up the Cavs’ defense at every chance he got.

Ricky Rubio was blazing hot in the first half, scoring 23 points. He wound up with 34 for the game as the Jazz successfully fought off a furious Spurs comeback in the second half.

Nuggets 115 (28-25), Warriors 108 (41-12)

Will Barton had 25 points, leading the way for five Nuggets that all scored at least 15 points. Denver outscored GSW 38-25 in the fourth quarter. Barton and Jamal Murray combined to score 18 of those fourth quarter points. They knocked off the Warriors one game after beating the Thunder.

Mavs 106 (17-36), Kings 99 (16-36)

The Mavs held the Kings to just 14-fourth quarter points. Harrison Barnes had 18 points, JJ Barea had 11 assists and Dwight Powell pulled down 9 rebounds in the win.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-chris-paul-demolishes-cavs-warriors-lose-denver/feed/02018 NBAEChris Paul Says James Harden Will Be MVP And It’s ‘Not Even Going To Be Close’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/chris-paul-says-harden-will-mvp-not-even-going-close/
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Chris Paul is extremely confident his teammate James Harden will take home MVP this season, telling Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that it’s “not even going to be close.” “You look at how many different lineups we’ve had,” Paul said. “Look at what he does for our team. All everybody does now is look […]

“You look at how many different lineups we’ve had,” Paul said. “Look at what he does for our team. All everybody does now is look at the numbers. Nothing against stats. … But nobody looks at how the game went. Watch the game, too. I’m here. I get to see what he’s doing night in, night out.

…A dynamic guard like that, a guy who can score and pass, do whatever, I think he showed everybody why he’s going to be the MVP. Not even going to be close.”

Harden is averaging a career-high 31.5 points to go along with 9.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field. The Rockets are second in the NBA with a 37-13 record.

Head coach Mike D’Antoni also made his case for Harden:

“Without a doubt, he’s been that guy for the last two years,” D’Antoni said. “Above all, he wants to win. He’s always going to get numbers, no matter what system, no matter what team. Now, he’s putting up numbers with wins. That’s a tough combination.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/steve-kerr-deletes-critical-james-harden-travel/feed/02017 NBAENEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 18: James Harden #13 and Steve Kerr Head Coach of the Western Conference talk during the 2017 NBA All-Star Practice as a part of 2017 All-Star Weekend at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 18, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)Tyreke Evans Sitting Out Until Trade Deadlinehttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/tyreke-evans-sitting-trade-deadline/
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Evans is averaging 19.5 points a game on 45.8 percent shooting along with five assists and five rebounds, and the Grizz are said to be looking for a first-round draft pick in a swap for the 28-year-old.

“He was a great piece. He brought tremendous things to us as a team,” Grizzlies center Marc Gasol said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. But we as players have to concentrate on what we have to do on the floor.”

The Bucks, Sixers, Celtics, Nuggets and Pelicans are among those who’ve reportedly expressed interest.

“He’s been a great professional for us. He’s performed at an extremely high level,” Grizzlies interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He wanted to fight with this group. He didn’t ask to be put in this situation … He’s a mature guy so he understands it. But he didn’t want to be absent from the group.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/tyreke-evans-sitting-trade-deadline/feed/02017 NBAEMEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 23: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on December 23, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)NBA Players React To Harden’s 60-Point Triple-Doublehttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/nba-players-react-to-hardens-60-point-triple-double/
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James Harden put on a historic performance Tuesday, notching a franchise record 60 points and adding 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 114-107 victory over the Magic. It was the first 60-point triple-double ever recorded and Harden’s ninth 50-point outing as a member of the Rockets. NBA players around the league reacted to The […]

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/nba-players-react-to-hardens-60-point-triple-double/feed/02018 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 30: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Orlando Magic on January 30, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. James Harden is the first player in Rockets history to score 60 points in a game, and he's the first player in NBA history to produce 60+ points and 10+ assists in the same game. James Harden has also become the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double with at least 60 points scored. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)James Harden Drops 60-11-10 on the Magichttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-drops-60-11-10-magic/
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“I just gave it all I had tonight,” Harden said. “We all did. We all fought for 48 minutes, we got key stops when we needed to and we made big shots.”

Harden said he hadn’t realized he had made history last night.

“It’s a good feeling, I guess,” he said. “Just try to go out there and make an impact every single night on the game, however I can. Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, whatever it is. And tonight I guess I was doing everything.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-drops-60-11-10-magic/feed/02018 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 30: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets celebrates a win against the Orlando Magic on January 30, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. James Harden is the first player in Rockets history to score 60 points in a game, and he's the first player in NBA history to produce 60+ points and 10+ assists in the same game. James Harden has also become the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double with at least 60 points scored. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Harden Hits 60http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-up-harden-hits-60/
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Rockets 114 (36-13), Magic 107 (14-35) It started off as your typical “James Harden is having himself a night” performance. His 24 points in the first half were impressive, and on a night when the Rockets were without Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza, they were downright necessary. Houston also lost Eric Gordon in the second […]

It started off as your typical “James Harden is having himself a night” performance. His 24 points in the first half were impressive, and on a night when the Rockets were without Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza, they were downright necessary. Houston also lost Eric Gordon in the second quarter to an injury, meaning Harden would have to carry his team to victory. He did that and more. By the fourth quarter, his game had gone from memorable to historic. His four-point play in the final minute was not only a dagger, but it gave him a franchise-record 60 points, A few seconds later, he became the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple-double.

Playing without John Wall, who is sidelined with a knee injury, the Wizards held on to win a close one at home. Otto Porter Jr. (25 points) and Bradley Beal (21 points, nine assists) did their parts to make up for Wall’s absence on a night in which both teams struggled offensively. The Thunder committed 20 turnovers and shot 38 percent from the field, but Paul George led all scorers with 28 points.

Enes Kanter had 20 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists as the Knicks jumped on their crosstown rivals early and never looked back. Kristaps Porzingis helped out with 28 more in the Knicks’ return home after their longest road trip of the year. DeMarre Carroll had 13 points and seven rebounds to lead a balanced Nets attack. Brooklyn has now lost four in a row.

DeMar DeRozan scored eight points in the fourth quarter and 23 overall to lead the Raptors to their third win in four games. DeRozan went 10-11 from the line and also handed out eight assists. Every Minnesota starter scored in double figures and Jimmy Butler scored 25 to lead the way.

The Pistons’ 11-point win is the sidebar to this game. More importantly for Cleveland, Kevin Love went down with a broken bone in his left hand and is expected to miss the next six to eight weeks. The injury came as he tried to catch a pass from Tristan Thompson and got tangled up with Anthony Tolliver. This adds to the Cavs’ recent struggles — though Cleveland had won two in a row, it has now dropped 12 out of its last 18. Newly minted All-Star Andre Drummond had 21 points and 22 rebounds to lead the Pistons.

Kings 114 (16-34), Pelicans 103 (27-23)

The Pelicans dropped to 0-2 without DeMarcus Cousins as Zach Randolph went to work for the Kings to the tune of 26 points and 12 rebounds. Kosta Koufos had 17-and-17 as well. For the Pelicans, three players scored 20-or-more points, led by 23 from Anthony Davis, but it was not enough as Sacramento outscored New Orleans by six in each of the final two quarters to pull out the win.

Will Barton missed a three in the final seconds that would have given Denver the win, allowing the Spurs to escape at home. LaMarcus Aldridge had a game-high 30 points for the Spurs and Jamal Murray led Denver with 18.

Ricky Rubio led the way with 23 points and 11 assists to help the Jazz hand the Warriors their biggest blowout loss of the season. Utah outscored Golden State by at least five in every quarter, leaving little intrigue despite 27 points from Klay Thompson. Steph Curry scored just 14 and was an uncharacteristic 1-7 from three. Joe Ingles was the opposite, knocking down six of his eight attempts and scoring 20 points.

Damian Lillard hit five threes and went a perfect 11-11 from the line, scoring 28 points and leading the Trail Blazers over the now-Blake-Griffin-less Clippers. Jusuf Nurkic added 14 points and 20 rebounds, while Lou Williams had 20 off the bench to lead the Clippers.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/post-up-harden-hits-60/feed/02018 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 30: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets dunks against the Orlando Magic on January 30, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. James Harden is the first player in Rockets history to score 60 points in a game, and he's the first player in NBA history to produce 60+ points and 10+ assists in the same game. James Harden has also become the first player in NBA history to record a triple-double with at least 60 points scored. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)Chris Paul Warns Trae Young About NBA Fandomhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/chris-paul-warns-trae-young-nba-fandom/
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“It’s fun to watch him play,” Paul says. “He looks like he’s having fun. That’s the biggest advice I give him right now: Just be a college kid and have fun.”

There was one more piece of wisdom from Paul that continues to stick with Young, words that keep him grounded amid all of the hype and fanfare:

“If you’re going to play in this league,” Paul told him, “you’ve got to learn not to be a fan. For these guys, it’s a job, it’s a business. These same people that are tweeting at you now … pretty soon they’re going to be coming at your neck.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/chris-paul-warns-trae-young-nba-fandom/feed/02018 Peter G. AikenMANHATTAN, KS - JANUARY 16: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners brings the ball up court against the Kansas State Wildcats during the first half on January 16, 2018 at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)Post Up: Get Better, Boogiehttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-get-better-boogie/
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DeMarcus Cousins tore his achilles and will miss the rest of the year. Elsewhere, the Cavs finally beat the Pacers and Giannis returned.

DeMarcus Cousins‘ triple-double (15 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) and the Pelicans’ win is now just a sidebar to this one, as Cousins left with an achilles injury late in the game. He will have an MRI to confirm. If that turns out to in fact be his injury, it throws a huge wrench into the Pelicans’ season and derails what was an All-Star campaign for Boogie. Meanwhile for the Rockets, Chris Paul had 38 points in the loss.

New Orleans All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins has initial diagnosis of a torn left Achilles’ tendon, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. He’s on way now to get MRI to confirm.

Kemba Walker scored five quick points late in the fourth quarter to give the Hornets a boost in a game that was close throughout. That put Charlotte ahead 114-110 and the Hawks never scored again. Walker finished with 29 points, but Dwight Howard led the way with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks. Kent Bazemore led the Hawks with 26 points.

LeBron James had a triple-double (26 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists) as the Cavaliers beat the Pacers for the first time this season. The Cavs led most of the night before a late Pacers charge made it interesting. Victor Oladipo had 25 for Indiana, which failed to complete a four-game sweep of Cleveland in 2017-18.

Ricky Rubio hit a three with four seconds left that turned a one-point deficit into a two-point lead and eventually a win in Toronto. After a DeMar DeRozan miss on the other end, Royce O’Neale hit two free throws to provide the final score. Jonas Valanciunas led all scorers with 28 points, while Donovan Mitchell had 26 to lead the Jazz.

The Lakers blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead, but held on behind 25 points from Brandon Ingram and 19 from Jordan Clarkson. Nikola Mirotic scored 14 points in the fourth (and 18 for the game) to spur the Bulls’ comeback. He hit a three to make it 95-92 Chicago with 4:11 to play before Ingram scored eight in the final minutes.

40 points and 10 assists from Lou Williams was more than the Grizzlies could handle as the Clippers snapped a three-game losing streak. DeAndre Jordan had 15 points and nine rebounds in a game in which he took over first place on the Clippers’ all-time games played list. Mario Chalmers and Jarell Martin each had 17 for the Grizzlies.

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a two-game absence by scoring 41 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in Milwaukee’s win over the Nets. With the win, the Bucks have now won two in a row for the first time since late December. DeMarre Carroll and D’Angelo Russell each had 14 to lead the Nets, who struggled from the field all night. They shot just 37 percent overall and went 8-34 from three.

The Blazers won their fourth game in their last five tries on Friday behind 28 points from Damian Lillard and 20 from CJ McCollum. Portland led for the entire second half despite letting Dallas climb to within two. Harrison Barnes had 21 to lead the Mavericks.

The Sixers beat the Spurs in San Antonio for the first time since 2004 behind 21 points from Ben Simmons and 18 from Joel Embiid. Philly led by as many as 25 and did not trail after the first quarter. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 18 points as they lost at home for just the fourth time this season.

Enes Kanter scored 15 of his 20 points in the first quarter to put the Knicks ahead early in a game they never trailed. The win ended the Knicks’ three-game losing streak and was the final stop on a seven-game road swing. Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points of his own and Trey Burke added 18. TJ Warren led the Suns with 20.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-get-better-boogie/feed/02018 Sean GardnerNEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 26: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans react after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on January 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)James Harden Says Chris Paul Should Be an All-Starhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-says-chris-paul-star/
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“Second-best overall record in the NBA, No. 2 in the best conference in the league,” said Rockets guard James Harden. “He averages what, 19 and nine assists? What are we rewarding? We’re winning and he’s putting up the numbers, there’s no question.

“Obviously, we have a lot of depth on this team, but I’m not doing it out there by myself. He’s controlling the games as well. When I was out, did you see the show he was putting on? Do you see what he’s been doing the last couple games? I don’t know what we’re rewarding now.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-says-chris-paul-star/feed/02018 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 18: Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets stand for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 18, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)Kevin Durant Fires Back at Clint Capelahttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/kevin-durant-fires-back-at-clint-capela/
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“It’s all part of the game,” Kevin Durant said on Monday after practice. “They beat us twice this year. Obviously we’re confident and we feel we’re the best team in the league as well. But we can be beat on any night.”

Durant discounted the words, in part because of who they were coming from.

“You hear that from the guys like Capela, catching the ball and laying it up because his job is not as hard,” Durant said. “When your job is hard you know you can’t come out there and say s*** like that. I don’t expect that from (Chris Paul) and James (Harden). They know how hard it is to come out and do that every night. Capela, I mean, catch and dunk every night so it’s pretty easy.”

It’s all bulletin board material for the playoffs.

“We don’t want to give those teams that kind of confidence but we let it happen,” Durant said. “If we end up seeing this team, I’m sure it will be a fun one.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kevin-durant-fires-back-at-clint-capela/feed/02018 Bob LeveyHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 20: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors attempts to get the shot off before the half as Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets and PJ Tucker #4 defend at Toyota Center on January 20, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)James Harden Says Rockets Are ‘For Real As It Can Get’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-rockets-for-real-as-it-get/
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The Rockets beat the Warriors last night in Houston, outlasting them for a 116-108 win. The Rockets are 3.5 games back of the Warriors for the number one spot in the Western Conference right now. Last night’s victory improves their record to 2-1 against the Dubs this season.

After the game Houston’s center Clint Capela spoke to ESPN about why the Rockets are so “confident” when they match up against the reigning champs.

“We’re confident because we know if we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, we’re going to beat them,” Capela told ESPN. “We’ve got to keep playing. We know that they’re going to come back if we have the lead, and we’ve just got to keep that mindset. Sometimes I feel like, in the past, we were all dragging down after mistakes. But today, we were ready. I think that if we’re doing what we’re supposed to do on defense — all the switches, the weak side — and keep playing our offense by keeping that mentality all game long, we have the weapons to beat them.

Chris Paul had 33 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Rockets to a thrilling win over the Warriors. James Harden, who had 22 of his own, hit the dagger with 1:10 to go on a step-back three with Steph Curry on him as the shot clock expired. This snapped Golden State’s seven-game win streak in Houston. Kevin Durant had 26 to lead the Warriors.

You read that right. The Thunder scored 148 points in a 48-minute game against the defending Eastern Conference champs. As a team, OKC shot 58 percent and made 14 threes, led by five triples from Paul George. George led the team with 36 points, while Russell Westbrook scored 23 and had 20 assists. You read that right as well. Isaiah Thomas led the Cavs, whose struggles continued, with 24 points. Cleveland has now lost 10 out of 14. LeBron James scored 18, leaving him seven points short of 30,000 for his career.

Lauri Markkanen and Robin Lopez feasted inside against the Hawks, with Markkanen scoring 19 and Lopez going for 20 on 9-13 shooting to lead the Bulls. Chicago never trailed and has now won four out of five and 15 of 23. Dennis Schroder had 18 to lead the Hawks, who shot just 38 percent as a team.

Miami’s one-point win over Charlotte was anything but conventional. The Hornets actually led 105-100 with just over 30 seconds to go before James Johnson scored five points in seven seconds to tie the game. His first basket came on a dunk, then following a Josh Richardson steal, he stepped back to hit the game-tying three. Kelly Olynyk later won it on a free throw with under a second left on the clock. Wayne Ellington and Nicolas Batum each had 26 to lead their respective teams.

Jrue Holiday scored 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help the Pelicans edge the Grizzlies at home. New Orleans led by 16 after the first quarter and by 15 at halftime, but a 13-0 run to start the third quarter made things interesting. Ultimately, however, Holiday, DeMarcus Cousins (24 points, 10 rebounds), and Anthony Davis (21 points, 12 rebounds) were too much. Wayne Selden had 31 to lead Memphis.

The Sixers outscored the Bucks 32-14 in the fourth quarter to pull away from a Milwaukee team playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is resting a sore knee. Joel Embiid had 29 points and nine rebounds to lead Philly, as every starter plus TJ McConnell scored in double figures. For Milwaukee, Khris Middleton led the way with 23 points.

The Jazz were missing Rodney Hood, but Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points to lead a short-handed Utah team to victory. In the process, the Jazz set season-bests for points in a quarter with 39 in the first and points in a half with 76. Overall, the Jazz shot 63 percent in the first half. The Clippers got 31 points from Lou Williams and 25 from Blake Griffin.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored all 22 of his points in the second half to help keep Kyle Lowry and the Raptors at bay. Lowry had a season-high 40 points on 16-25 shooting, but it was not enough to beat a Minnesota team that was without Jimmy Butler. Andrew Wiggins had 29 to lead Minnesota including a couple emphatic dunks.

Damian Lillard scored 31 points on 10-15 shooting and had nine assists to lead the Blazers to their third straight win. For the Mavericks, who have now lost three in a row, three players scored 20-or-more, led by 23 from Wesley Matthews.

According to a Rockets source, Ariza was waiting on Griffin, and when the game ended he charged from the hallway into the Clips locker room. When Rivers spotted Ariza near the entrance, according to the source, he said: “Let his b—– a– come in.” Ariza then turned his attention to Rivers.

ESPN reported that Ariza was flanked by three teammates—Harden, Paul and Gerald Green—but their purpose was unclear. “They were holding Trevor back,” the source said. Security was summoned and no punches were thrown, unless you count the jab [Chris] Paul landed in his post-game interview, when he praised [Loui] Williams and suggested the Clippers run their offense through the quick-trigger guard. He didn’t mention Griffin or the hallway. Meanwhile, [Patrick] Beverley tweeted: “It’s a different culture in LA. No more soft s— here!!!!!”

“We’re honoring Martin Luther King Day,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. “We’re non-violent….Let’s put it like this: our team was in our locker room. That’s all I’ll say. I’ll let you do the rest of the investigation. I will say their entire team was not in their locker room. You’re going to have to figure it out from there.”

Houston’s Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green have each been suspended two games for their role in Monday night’s bizarre locker room incident at Staples Center, the league announced on Wednesday. Shortly after the Clippers’ 113-102 win over the Rockets, Ariza, Green, James Harden, and Chris Paul entered L.A.’s locker room through a back hallway, where […]

Shortly after the Clippers’ 113-102 win over the Rockets, Ariza, Green, James Harden, and Chris Paul entered L.A.’s locker room through a back hallway, where they then confronted several Clippers players. Security ushered them out before things could escalate, according to reports.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks broke down the financial aspect of the players’ suspensions:

Revised suspension amounts for the Rockets players are: Trevor Ariza will lose $51,178 per game for a total of $102,357. Gerald Green will lose $9,527 per game for a total of $19,054.

The NBA said in a release that it conducted more than 20 interviews with players, coaches, and personnel who were at Staples Center at the time of the incident to help bring closure to one of the stranger incidents of the season. Ariza and Green will serve their suspensions on Thursday and Saturday.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/trevor-ariza-gerald-green-suspension-clippers-locker-room/feed/02018 Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets is restrained by an assistant coach before his ejection from the game during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Chris Paul: Clippers Should Play Through ‘Go-To Guy’ Lou Williamshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/chris-paul-clippers-should-play-through-go-to-guy-lou-williams/
http://www.slamonline.com/nba/chris-paul-clippers-should-play-through-go-to-guy-lou-williams/#respondTue, 16 Jan 2018 22:16:25 +0000http://www.slamonline.com/?p=473580

For a few fleeting moments, several Clippers dared the Rockets to come farther into the room, sources said. Security and team officials soon converged on the Rockets, pushing them out the door and back toward the visiting locker room, sources said. Ariza was described as the first one through the door, with Paul lingering in the back, witnesses told ESPN.

“It was classic NBA,” one Clipper witness told ESPN. “None of these guys were going to fight.”

The NBA will investigate the matter and start gathering information on Tuesday, league sources said.

“We were where we were supposed to be,” Griffin said. “We were in our locker room. So whatever happens over there, I mean, we can’t control what anybody else does. We control what we did. Everybody was in our seats. That’s it. You should ask them.”

“I just asked him, I said, ‘What did you get out of that?'” Lillard said. “He said, ‘Y’all wasn’t guarding.’ But we got back. There was two guys back. We got back. He was sprinting the court to get the layup and CJ (McCollum) was chasing him. I just felt like in that situation, if you’ve got to do that to go get the layup, what’s the point of it?”

Lillard made it clear his heated reaction was not a case of sour grapes, noting that the Blazers “lost the game fair and square. It wasn’t a play that impacted us winning or losing, so I wasn’t salty about that.” But he was annoyed that an accomplished and experienced player in his 13th NBA season would show such disprespect.

“I think as far as sportsmanship goes and respect, if the roles were reversed, I don’t think they would like it,” Lillard said. “They had two guys up the floor. I think (Shabazz Napier) ran back, I ran back for that reason … we get two guys back and he pretty much sprinted down the court to get the layup. CJ was chasing him. At that point, you just wonder, like, what is that going to do for you? What was you trying to get right there? And that’s what I asked him.”

With both teams missing top guys — KD for the Dubs and James Harden for Houston — the meeting of the top teams in the West was without a little starpower, but still ended up being exciting and close throughout.

Almost all of the Rockets’ scoring came from Eric Gordon (30 points, 7 assists), Gerald Green (29 points) and CP3 (28 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists) while the Warriors relied on the usual combo of Klay and Steph (57 total points and 10 total threes) to stick around until the fourth when they made their big push.

Houston missed Beard’s playmaking ability down the stretch when the threes stopped falling, but Green — signed just a week ago — did his best to keep the Rockets in range with another huge performance. Then, shortly after the game, Houston guaranteed Green’s deal for the rest of the season. He’d rather have gotten the W but securing the bag isn’t a bad consolation prize.

Thunder 127 (22-17), Clippers 117 (17-20)

Looks as if OKC will be just fine. After close home losses to Milwaukee and Dallas, the Thunder bounced back with convincing wins over the Lakers and Clippers on consecutive nights at Staples Center. In front of his parents, Paul George dropped a game-high 31 points while fellow LA native Russell Westbrook posted his league-leading 13th triple-double. Melo, whose shot is starting to return to form, scored an efficient 22 on 12 shots.

The Clippers led for some of the game thanks to big nights from Blake Griffin (24 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists), DeAndre Jordan (26 points, 17 rebounds) and Lou Williams (26 points, 10 assists) but struggled from deep as a team and allowed OKC to shoot nearly 55 percent from the field. They just ran out of gas down the stretch.

It was actually the Thunder bench that made the difference in the game, as Billy Donovan’s reserves began the fourth quarter on a 10-0 run that swung the momentum fully toward the visitors. OKC’s Big Three took over from there.

A week ago, Gerald Green was in Boston to visit his son when he learned that the Rockets wanted to sign him to a non-guaranteed deal. He suited up for Houston against the Celtics last Thursday (playing 11 minutes) and has been incredible since, reaching double figures in his last four games while knocking down over 50 percent of his shots — most of which have been three-pointers.

The 31-year-old journeyman took it to a new level against the Warriors in the Rockets’ 124-114 loss tonight, though, scoring 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting (8-of-15 from three). While Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the Dubs were too much for the Beard-less Rockets, Green helped keep them in the game until late in the fourth quarter.

He has now scored 56 points in his last two games, and has helped Houston deal with the loss of Harden to a hamstring strain. It’s a pretty awesome story for a guy who was cut by the Bucks in the preseason.

James Harden will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the Rockets announced on Monday night. Harden injured his hamstring during the fourth quarter of Houston’s win over the Lakers on Sunday.

The Beard is averaging 32.3 points, 9.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. The time missed will be rare for Harden, as he has only missed two games in the past three seasons.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-injury/feed/02017 NBAEPORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 9: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 9, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)James Harden Blasts Refs After Loss to Celticshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-blasts-refs-loss-celtics/
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“First of all, I wonder how you only have two officials on a national TV game,” Harden said. “A lot of grabbing, a lot of holding. How else am I supposed to get open? The guy has two arms wrapped around my whole body.”

Smart described Harden’s foul as a “little nudge,” but he added that Harden “lost it,” leading to him to commit his seventh and eighth turnovers of the night in the final seconds.

“The first one, we were just trying to deny him the ball,” Smart said. “We were just trying to make it real uncomfortable for him the whole night. He lost it and gave me a little nudge, and it was kind of right in front of the official, so he called it.

“Then Al [Horford] scores it, and they were getting ready to take the ball out and he’s bumping me chest to chest. I’m just standing there in the spot just getting ready to play defense again. My hands are up, and then once again he does the same thing. He loses it again, and the ref was right there again and called it.”

“First one, we were just trying to deny him the ball, and we were just trying to make it real uncomfortable for him the whole night,” [Smart] said. “He lost it and gave me a little nudge, and it was kind of right in front of the official, and he called it. Then Al [Horford] scores and he was getting ready to take the ball out, he’s bumping me chest to chest. I’m just standing the spot getting ready to play defense again, so my hands are up and then, once again, he does the same thing.

“He loses it again, and the ref is right there again and called it. And that was pretty much the game.”

After the game, Smart was asked if he got under Harden’s skin.

“If that’s what we want to call it, I probably did,” he said.

Is that a role Smart is known for? “I guess you could say that,” he said. “My mom might say that.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/media/slam-tv/celtics-pull-off-improbable-26-point-comeback-vs-rockets/feed/02017 NBAEBOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 28: The Boston Celtics react after the game against the Houston Rockets on December 28, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)James Harden Commits 2 Offensive Fouls Late As Celtics Pull Off Comebackhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-celtics-fouls/
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The Houston Rockets built a 26-point lead in the first half on Thursday against the Boston Celtics, and it appeared that there was little reason to watch the rest of the nationally televised clash of league titans. Then Boston began to eat into the lead. It was a 31-16 third quarter that made it a […]

The Houston Rockets built a 26-point lead in the first half on Thursday against the Boston Celtics, and it appeared that there was little reason to watch the rest of the nationally televised clash of league titans.

Then Boston began to eat into the lead. It was a 31-16 third quarter that made it a game again, and the Celtics didn’t stop there. They cut the deficit to one on multiple occasions, but were not able to grab a lead coming down the stretch.

Then it got weird.

Jayson Tatum dunked with seven seconds to go to make it 98-97 in favor of Houston, and before the Rockets could inbound, James Harden committed an offensive foul:

With the game tied at 117 and time ticking down, Russell Westbrook buried a three to give Oklahoma City a thrilling win. He finished with 30 points and 15 assists. Marco Belinelli had 27 to lead the Hawks, who also got 22 from Ersan Ilyasova. The Thunder have now won five of their last six games, while the Hawks have dropped six out of seven.

James Harden became the first player since Kobe Bryant in 2007 to score 50-or-more points in consecutive games. Unfortunately for Harden and the Rockets, his second-straight 51-point-game was also Houston’s second-straight loss. That’s partly because Austin Rivers scored a career-high 36 points — 30 in the second half — as the Clippers staged a third-quarter comeback to take the lead.

DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis combined for 46 points and 22 rebounds as the Pelicans took an early lead and sent the Magic to their seventh-straight loss. Jrue Holiday had 24 of his own and the New Orleans trio shot 29-45 from the field. Jonathon Simmons led the Magic with 22 points on 10-15 shooting.

The Nets out-scored the Wizards 35-18 in the third quarter to turn a 10-point lead into an absolute blowout in Brooklyn. It was a game-long offensive struggle for Washington, which shot only 37 percent for the game and went 5-20 from three. Kelly Oubre led the Wizards with 13 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough, as the Nets had six players in double figures. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists to lead the way. The Nets also out-rebounded the Wizards 60-35.

The Knicks scored 10 straight points late in the fourth quarter to put a scare into the Pistons, before Detroit scored the final seven of the game. Kristaps Porzingis bounced back from a rough game on Thursday to score 29 points, but missed what would have been a game-tying three at the buzzer. Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 24 points, while Andre Drummond had 18 points and 15 boards.

The Heat opened each half with 12 unanswered points and Wayne Ellington matched his career high with 28 points to lift Miami. Ellington did his work on eight made threes — a career best — and 10-16 shooting overall. Josh Richardson had 24 and the Heat shot 64 percent as a team. Yogi Farrell led the Mavericks with 23 points.

The Bucks closed the game on a 9-0 run to steal one from Charlotte Friday night. Dwight Howard played just five minutes before leaving with an injury, but Kemba Walker kept the Hornets in it, scoring 32 points. Walker’s layup with 2:19 to play put the Hornets up four before Milwaukee scored six straight in the paint, including this dunk from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Nuggets won in Portland for the first time since 2013 on Friday behind 27 points from Nikola Jokic and 21 points and 11 rebounds from Wilson Chandler. The Blazers, who were playing without Damian Lillard, have now lost six straight home games. CJ McCollum had 15 to lead Portland and Shabazz Napier had 14 more.

The Warriors held off a late Lakers comeback to run their winning streak to 11 and beat L.A. for the third time in that stretch. Golden State led by 17 at the half and by 12 going into the fourth quarter, but a 17-4 run to open the fourth for the Lakers put them ahead and put the pressure on the defending champs. With the game in the balance down the stretch, the Warriors made their free throws to seal the win. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 33 points, and Kyle Kuzma had 27-and-14 to lead the Lakers.

“It’s the only thing we think about,” Morey said on ESPN Radio’s The Ryen Russillo Show on Thursday. “I think I’m not supposed to say that, but we’re basically obsessed with ‘How do we beat the Warriors?’

“Last year the Spurs knocked us off, so we’re very worried about the Spurs, they’re always one step ahead of every organization and guard us better than anyone. But we calculated it — it’s like 90 percent if we’re gonna win a title, we’ve gotta obviously beat the Warriors at some point. So we’re extremely focused on that. A lot of our signings and what we do during the year is based on that.”

The Warriors eliminated the Rockets from the playoffs in the 2015 conference finals and again in the first round the following year. Houston lost to the Spurs in six games in last season’s conference semifinals.

“I don’t know why you’d do anything else,” Morey told The Ryen Russillo Show. “Like, what is the point of this league except winning a title? So we’d love to get the 1-seed, we’d love to win more games than any in Rockets history, which is 58. Those are all nice things, but frankly we spend most of our time just figuring out how we might just knock the Warriors out in seven games. Because we’re pretty sure that’s what’s going to define our season.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/kobe-bryant-salutes-kyle-kuzmas-self-confidence/feed/02017 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 20: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with the media after the game against the Houston Rockets on December 20, 2017 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Lucky 13http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-lucky-13/
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It's been over a month since the Rockets have lost a game, Carmelo returned to the Garden, LeBron did LeBron things, and more!

It’s now been over a month since the Rockets have lost a game. Houston won its 13th in a row behind 31 points from James Harden and 25 from Chris Paul. But it wasn’t easy. Though the Rockets led by 12 with just 4:18 to go, Khris Middleton scored 12 points in the final minutes to keep the Bucks close. He finished with 23 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 28.

Carmelo Anthony had his return to MSG spoiled by the Kristaps-less Knicks, who pulled away late. Before the game, the Knicks played a video tribute to their former star and he was greeted with a warm ovation during pregame introductions. Anthony went just 5-18 from the floor, however, as Michael Beasley went for 30 on the other end to lead New York. Russell Westbrook had 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Thunder, who could not win their fourth-straight road game.

The Hornets missed a bevy of chances down the stretch, allowing the Trail Blazers to survive in Charlotte. Kemba Walker missed three shots in the final 22 seconds with the Hornets trailing by just a single possession. Jeremy Lamb’s heave with four seconds to go also fell short. On the other side, the Portland backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum was phenomenal — McCollum had 25 points, while Lillard had 18 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Nicolas Batum led Charlotte with 23 points on 5-9 shooting from three.

Cleveland won its 11th-straight home game behind 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists from LeBron James. The triple-double moved LeBron into sole possession of sixth place on the NBA’s all-time list. Donovan Mitchell continued his incredible rookie year with 26 points on 11-16 shooting, but when the King makes plays like this, there’s just no stopping the Cavs:

The Heat scored the final six points to steal one from the Clippers late. A Goran Dragic jumper with 1:19 to go put Miami up for good as L.A. went scoreless the rest of the game. Josh Richardson made six of his eight three-point attempts and scored 28 points to lead all scorers on a night where the Heat shot just 38 percent from the field. Montrezl Harrell had 15 to lead the Clippers.

Isaiah Canaan drew a foul on a three-pointer with six seconds to go and hit all three free throws to turn a one-point deficit into a two-point win for the Suns. That three-point attempt was initially waved off as the officials called a shot clock violation, but replay showed that Jeff Teague committed a foul just a couple tenths of a second before the buzzer. Troy Daniels and Dragan Bender each had 17 to lead Phoenix. Karl-Anthony Towns led everyone with 28 points for the Timberwolves.

Spurs 98 (20-10), Mavericks 96 (8-22)

Manu Ginobili‘s layup with four seconds left lifted the Spurs to a thrilling win over Dallas. Ginobili’s heroics came just seconds after a LaMarcus Aldridge jumper tied the game, allowing San Antonio to steal one at home. The Spurs trailed by nine going into the fourth quarter and by 11 when Maximilian Kleber hit a jumper with 4:11 to go. The Mavericks did not score again as San Antonio ended the game on a 12-0 run. Kleber led the Mavericks with 21, while Aldridge had 22 points and 14 rebounds.

When the Celtics took a 31-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, they probably didn’t feel like they’d have to sweat this game out. But the Grizzlies came back, outscoring Boston by 21 over the next two quarters before the Celtics went on a 16-0 run to start the fourth and restore order. Kyrie Irving had 20 to lead six Celtics in double-figures. That was too much for Memphis to handle, despite 30 from Marc Gasol and 25 from Tyreke Evans. With the win, Boston has still not lost two straight since the opening two games of the season.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-lucky-13/feed/02017 Tim WarnerHOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 16: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a three point shot in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Toyota Center on December 16, 2017 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)Post Up: Respect The Brodiehttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/russell-westbrook-thunder-respect-the-brodie/
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OKC beats the Sixers in 3OT battle, the Rockets dominate Spurs and more!

When I ask Doc what the Clippers, home to so many ex-Rockets thanks to the Paul trade, can do when they face Houston at the Toyota Center in 11 days, he says flatly: “No one’s slowed them down yet. I don’t know if anyone will.”

But is a new-look Capela enough to help Harden and Paul topple the Warriors? “We have to keep the advantage on them, by leading the Western Conference,” Capela says. “It’s going to be key for us to have home-court advantage in the playoffs. To go over there [to Oakland] is obviously hard. That advantage is going to be key for us.”

Yeah, but will you beat them? “I expect to beat them,” Capela says. If their confidence stays this high, Capela may not be the only voice in Houston who believes that.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/clint-capela-rockets-expect-beat-warriors/feed/02017 Getty ImagesOAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a three point basket over Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets at ORACLE Arena on October 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Post Up: Rocket Powerhttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/james-harden-rocket-power/
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Harden recorded 26 points (8-16 FG), 17 assists and 6 steals as the Rockets won their 10th straight and 16th of their last 17.

Heat 107 (13-13), Grizzlies 82 (8-19)

The score was tight until the end of the third quarter. Miami built a double-digit lead heading in to the final period, and it ballooned out of proportion in the fourth.

The loss was Memphis’ 15th in their last 16 games. How’s that for data?

Hornets 116 (10-16), Thunder 103 (12-14)

Things seem to be getting worse, not better, for OKC.

Early in the season, the Thunder could at least point to their defense as a saving grace. Over the past two weeks, their defense has dropped to a more pedestrian 12th in the League, and their offense has plummeted to 28th.

Clearly frustrated with his and his team’s play, Carmelo Anthony (11 points) left the arena before locker rooms opened to reporters after the game.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/media/slam-tv/james-harden-dagger-three-pointer-pelicans/feed/02017 Tim WarnerTerry Stotts: Houston is the ‘Best Team in the League Right Now’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/terry-stotts-houston-best-team-league-right-now/
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“We’re really good,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “When you have great players, our defense keeps holding up. To win on the road, you have to play good defense. It gives us a chance that sometime in the 48 minutes, we’re going hit a variety of shots. We impose our will at that point. Either the bench does it, the starters do it, or a combination. We’re 48 minutes of pretty good basketball.”

The Rockets’ defense has been slightly better on the road than at home, allowing 101.6 points per 100 possessions, one fewer than in home games. But the consistent effort the Rockets cited would be valuable home or away.

“It’s about guys’ mental approach,” Rockets guard Eric Gordon said. “I think our toughest task is to be consistent defensively. Everybody’s trying to take our game to another level. That’s the best thing about it. That’s why we’re playing so well. Everybody loves to see each other do well.

“It’s all about being consistent. Once we do that, we’re fine. We just want to continue to play this way.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/terry-stotts-houston-best-team-league-right-now/feed/02017 NBAEPORTLAND, OR - DECEMBER 9: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 9, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)Report: Rockets Have a Shot at Signing LeBron This Summerhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/report-rockets-shot-signing-lebron-summer/
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The League has a crazy amount of quality young talent and these two teams have a nice chunk of it. Like the Philly-L.A. meeting back in November, tonight’s version was exciting and a glimpse into the League’s future. Both Joel Embiid (33 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks) and Ben Simmons (12 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists) played really well, but Philly committed 18 turnovers, allowing the Lakers — with 7 players scoring in double figures — to hold a lead throughout.

Ingram ended up with 21 points on the game, and Lonzo had a near triple-double (along with 4 blocks and 3 steals). But it was the play of Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson off the bench, who combined to score 32, that was the difference. Randle was aggressive from the get-go, going right at Embiid multiple times for dunks and layups. Very impressive road win for the young Lakers.

Wizards 109 (14-11), Suns 99 (9-18)

Two days removed from his career-best 51-point performance in the Wizards’ win over the Trail Blazers, Bradley Beal dialed it down a little in Phoenix. He scored a game-high 34 to lead Washington past the Suns, hitting 13 of his 22 shots and dishing out 4 assists. Markieff Morris helped out, dropping 21 points on 12 field goal attempts.

It’s good to see the Wizards get on a little roll, away from home, without John Wall. Their biggest issue is still the bench, which has benefited from guys like Mike Scott and a healthy Ian Mahinmi, but when Beal is going off every night, that weakness is less devastating.

With Devin Booker out due to the groin injury he suffered a few days ago, Phoenix needed other guys to step up. T.J. Warren led the Suns with 23 points and 8 rebounds while Greg Monroe (15 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Tyler Ulis (13 points, 6 assists) helped out. Beal and Morris were just too much.

Nets 100 (10-14), Thunder 95 (11-13)

In the first of two Mexico City games this season — both featuring the Nets — Brooklyn overcame a weak first quarter to stun the Paul George-less Thunder. Undermanned due both to injury and the announced trade for Jahlil Okafor and Nik Staukas, the Nets only got 19 minutes from starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie because of foul trouble, forcing Caris LeVert to run the offense most of the night.

LeVert turned out to be the best player on the floor, notching a 21-point and 10-assist double-double (the first of his career) with 0 turnovers as he lead Brooklyn to a second-straight win. Allen Crabbe was a game-high +21, scoring 15 points, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 17.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Thunder. It was another iso-heavy night for the offense, as Russell Westbrook (31 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) was 10-for-27 from the field and Carmelo Anthony (11 points, 11 rebounds) struggled to get his shot going in the high altitude. OKC missed more than half of its free throws. It’s clear they need PG in order to be a true contender, but scoring 37 second half points against defensively challenged Brooklyn is a troubling sign.

Rockets 112 (19-4), Jazz 101 (13-13)

Houston might be as underrated a team as a 19-4 record could possibly allow for. James Harden (29 points) and Chris Paul (18 points, 9 rebounds, 13 assists) look like they’ve been playing together for 10 years while the Rockets’ supporting cast — led on Thursday by Ryan Anderson (23 points) — seems perfectly suited to work around their two stars.

With the win over Utah, the Rockets improved to 11-1 on the road this season and is now a perfect 9-0 when CP3 plays. They’ve won eight straight games, starting when Paul returned from injury, and have won all 8 by double digits.

Donovan Mitchell balled out once again, leading the Jazz with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting. Alec Burks scored 17 off the bench. The big problem for Utah: defense. No team can stop Houston’s lethal attack, especially from three, but you can’t let the Rockets hit 18 triples and expect to have a chance for a W.

D’Antoni, the wife of Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni, was asked about being back in Los Angeles, where Mike D’Antoni had coached the Lakers for two seasons before stepping down after the 2013-14 season.

“Is it classless to say ‘happy days are here again?’” Laurel D’Antoni said.

After the most recent loss, the Rockets 118-95 romp on Sunday, Laurel D’Antoni left town much happier than in 2014, with a reminder of the farewell Mike D’Antoni was given when he left 3½ years earlier.

The Magic opened up a 17-point lead in the first quarter. But even without Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) and Tim Hardaway Jr (left leg injury), the Knicks fought back into the game, taking a 3-point lead and forcing four ties and ten lead changes.

The Magic eventually gained control of the game, keeping the Knicks at arms-distance, thanks to 34 points and 12 rebounds from Nik Vucevic. Michael Beasley led the Knicks with 21 points.

Warriors 123 (18-6), Heat 95 (11-12)

As they’re known to do, the Warriors used a deadly third quarter to beat the Heat. The Dubs held just a two-point lead at the half. By the time the third quarter clock had run out, they were up by 22. Stephen Curry had 30 points and Kevin Durant added 24 points and 7 assists.

Jimmy Butler played savior tonight for the Wolves, who were fending off a pesky Clippers squad. Butler had 20 points in the fourth. He finished with 33 points, narrowly outgunning Austin Rivers, who scored a season-high 30 points for L.A.

After Rivers dropped his seventh three-pointer of the night, Butler took over, scoring 9 straight points for Minnesota.

All ten Spurs that got into the game scored at least 4 points, led by Dejounte Murray‘s 17. Murray led the Spurs in rebounding and assists, too, pulling down 11 boards and handing out 5 assists.

The Spurs locked up and held OKC to 27 percent three-point shooting. They only shot 28 percent from distance but the silver & black controlled the game’s momentum, making it a slugfest.

Russell Westbrook had his seventh triple-double of the season with 22/10/10. The Thunder survived to get the win after Brandon Paul missed a potentially game-tying three-pointer from the left wing.

Rockets 118 (18-4), Lakers 95 (8-15)

James Harden had a light 36 points and 9 assists tonight, consistently carving up the Lakers defense to finish with 13-22 shooting. Eric Gordon had 22 and Chris Paul had 21. Harden helped the Rockets score 54 points in the paint that resulted in a 24-point lead. Tonight marked the seventh time that Harden has scored at least 30 points this season.

They’ve been overshadowed a bit by the Celtics, but the Stan Van Gundy-led Pistons might be the biggest surprise team in the Eastern Conference. With the throttling of Phoenix, Detroit moved just two games behind Boston and won a third-straight game. Tobias Harris (20 points, 7 rebounds), Avery Bradley (20 points) and Reggie Jackson (23 points, 5 assists) led the way.

Andre Drummond scored 13 points and notched 7 boards, but took on more of a distributor role in this one, posting 7 dimes from the center position. He also became the first player in the NBA this season to reach 300 rebounds. What makes Detroit so scary is that, on any given night, a different player can be the main guy.

Last season, the Pistons’ offense would bog down often when Drummond was dealing with foul trouble or just not playing well. But, Harris has been playing at an All-Star level and the addition of Bradley has given Detroit a solid shooter who is a lockdown defender. It doesn’t hurt that Jackson is finally feeling comfortable in Stan Van’s system.

Magic 121 (9-13), Thunder 108 (8-12)

Orlando snapped a 9-game losing streak as the Thunder keep struggling to get on the same page. It was close most of the way until the Magic broke away during the second half. Aaron Gordon did most of the damage, exploding for 40 points and 15 rebounds. He did it with dunks, threes (6-for-12 beyond the arc) and defense (4 steals).

People were never worried with AG’s athleticism or high-flying ability, it was his questionable jumpshot that limited his ceiling as a big-time scorer. That’s not too much of a concern anymore. Elfrid Payton helped out with an efficient 19 points and stuffed the stat sheet with 5 boards, 6 assists and 4 steals. After a quick start, the Magic have cooled down considerably so they needed this one.

MVP Russ showed up in Orlando with 37 points and 11 rebounds, but the Thunder bench scored just 16 points and Carmelo Anthony was 5-for-16 from the field. As a team, OKC shot under 40 percent and let the Magic make 59 percent of their shots. That combo isn’t going to result in wins too often.

76ers 118 (12-8), Wizards 113 (11-10)

Already without John Wall (knee), the Wizards lost Bradley Beal to a facial contusion a few minutes into the game and kind of slogged through the opening half as a result. They trailed 58-40 at the break, as Embiid and Simmons took over (the pair combined for 56 points, 32 rebounds and a crazy 47 free throw attempts).

Beal would return and helped Washington fight back with a 48-point fourth quarter to make this a game. The Wizards were within 116-113 with 11 seconds to play. But, they couldn’t grab a key defensive rebound and didn’t have a chance to cut the deficit any further. Three Wizards (Beal, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jodie Meeks) scored 20+ points in the loss.

Something interesting: Washington used a Hack-a-Simmons strategy in the final frame to aid the comeback effort, and it worked perfectly. Simmons took 24 free throws in the fourth quarter — an NBA record — and was just 15-of-29 at the charity stripe overall. Have a feeling we’ll see other teams do the same when they play Philly.

Raptors 126 (13-7), Hornets 113 (8-12)

Entering tonight, Toronto was 6-1 at home and Charlotte was 1-8 on the road. So, it wasn’t much of a surprise that the Raptors scored 71 first half points and cruised to an easy W as Kemba Walker, sat with a bruised shoulder. Both Kyle Lowry (36 points, 6 assists) and DeMar DeRozan (30 points, 6 assists) had monster games.

Lowry had the honor of being interviewed after the game by the 6 God himself.

You could make the argument that Lowry and DeRozan make up the East’s best backcourt, and both have seemingly been unleashed this season as they make three-pointers more of a focus. When they each are feeling good on offense, it’s really hard to stop this Raptors squad.

Kemba is the heart and soul of the Hornets, so when they don’t have him, other guys need to step up. Dwight Howard did that tonight, needing just 12 shots to post a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double (and posterize Serge Ibaka). He was the only Charlotte starter to do much. Jeremy Lamb and Frank Kaminsky each added 18 points off the bench.

Knicks 115 (11-10), Heat 86 (10-11)

Disaster almost struck the Knicks in the first quarter, as Kristaps Porzingisturned his ankle badly while trying to grab a loose ball. KP wouldn’t return, but the team announced that x-rays were negative and it was only a sprain. Even without their star, the Knicks crushed Miami, outscoring the Heat by 21 in the first half and winning each quarter.

New York snapped a three-game skid and got back to the high-energy, unselfish play that helped the Knicks surprise people in the early going. Enes Kanter (22 points, 14 rebounds) took advantage of Hassan Whiteside (knee) being out of the lineup. Jeff Hornacek got contributions from his entire roster, as all 13 Knicks to play made at least one field goal en route to a 60% team shooting day.

Rockets 118 (17-4), Pacers 97 (12-10)

Houston ends November with a 12-1 record in the month, with 11 of those wins coming by 14 or more points (the only holdout: a 117-113 W over the Cavaliers). Since Chris Paul came back from his knee injury, the Rockets have won six straight. They started slow against Indiana but outscored the Pacers by double digits in the second and third quarters to open up a big lead.

The Rockets’ entire starting lineup hit double figures, with James Harden putting up a casual near triple-double (29 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists) to just 1 turnover. At this point, Beard is looking like the MVP frontrunner as Houston sports the Western Conference’s top record. He has these mega-games on an almost nightly basis and, like LeBron, they’re starting to feel unremarkable in that “transcendent star” type of way.

For the second night in a row, a star player was ejected for the first time in their career. Yesterday, it was LeBron and tonight, it was Anthony Davis. At the time AD was tossed, Minnesota led 46-43. The Timberwolves then outscored New Orleans 74-59 the rest of the way.

Minnesota won this game down low, outrebounding the Pelicans by 16 with both Karl-Anthony Towns and Taj Gibson putting up double-doubles. Andrew Wiggins led the scoring charge, dropping 28 points on an efficient 18 shots. He also had 5 dimes, which is nice to see from a guy struggling to diversify his offensive game. Oh, and an enormous block too.

Jrue Holiday scored 27 to pace New Orleans, which also got 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists from DeMarcus Cousins. Scoring wasn’t the problem for the Pelicans tonight, it was their defense. Minnesota shot 58 percent from the field and had 30 assists.

Nets 109 (8-13), Mavericks 104 (5-17)

Down their top two point guards as well as Allen Crabbe and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson due to injury, the Nets have needed different guys to step up almost every night. In Dallas, it was DeMarre Carroll and Trevor Booker. Carroll — picked up this offseason in a salary dump from the Raptors — knocked down 4 threes while Booker, a free agent this summer, posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double and had some huge tip-outs down the stretch that turned into offensive boards.

Brooklyn withstood a terrible free throw shooting day (14-of-25) to beat the Mavericks, mostly behind the play of guys like Carroll, Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris, all of whom were unceremoniously discarded by their previous teams.

Things are looking bleak for the Mavericks, who are just 3-10 at home and heading toward a sub-20 win season. Harrison Barnes scored 17 points to go with 8 rebounds and 6 assists while rookie forward Maxi Kleber scored a career-high 16.

Spurs 104 (14-7), Grizzlies 95 (7-13)

The Grizzlies, in their first game post-David Fizdale, hung around with the Spurs all night but LaMarcus Aldridge was too much. LMA scored 41 points on 17-for-24 shooting to take down depleted Memphis, which was led by Tyreke Evans‘ 22. Aldridge played so well that Gregg Popovich said nice things about him after the game.

Tony Parker added 10 points and 5 assists in his second game back from injury. That’s nine straight losses for the Grizzlies.

Warriors 127 (15-6), Lakers 123 (8-12) / OT

This was probably the most fun game of the whole 10-game slate. The Dubs took the lead early but the Lakers — behind 41 points from reserves Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle — surged back in the second quarter to go ahead at the half. L.A. and Golden State went back and forth down the stretch before Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s three-point play gave the Lakers a 109-106 edge.

But, 10 seconds later, Kevin Durant (29 points) drilled a contested three to tie it up. Both sides missed potential game-winners before the defending champs took over in the extra period. Steph Curry (28 points) knocked down back-to-back threes to build a cushion and, despite some great shot-making from Brandon Ingram, it held up.

“I think [he makes it] easy,” Olajuwon said. “He’s very skilled, very smart. The height he has the advantage in the post. The guy that got skill in the post game, he’s already amazing. It gets much easier for him.”

Porzingis’ improvement this season has been his post game — more in the mid-post than deep inside.

“Everyone can always get stronger,” Olajuwon said. “But he’s fantastic, always plays with confidence, has a lot of moves, shooting 3s. I think the post game is most important because of his length. He’s so skilled he can do whatever he wants on the floor.”

“I’ve tried the Dream Shake, but I wouldn’t say I can do it like him,” Porzingis said. “Not close.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/hakeem-olajuwon-wants-train-kristaps-porzingis/feed/02017 Jim McIsaacNEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 13, 2017 in New York City. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 104-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)Post Up: He Called Gamehttp://www.slamonline.com/blogs/postup/cj-mccollum-he-called-game/
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]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-torches-phoenix-48-points/feed/02017 NBAEPHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 16: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 16, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)Post Up: Beard Ganghttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/post-up-beard-gang/
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It’s still very early, but the Celtics might be for real. Using a 19-2 third quarter run to erase a big deficit, Boston snuck by the defending champs to win their 14th game in a row. Kyrie Irving struggled (16 points on 4-of-16 shooting) but was aggressive down the stretch and knocked down what would become the game-winning free throws.

Kevin Durant led the Dubs with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, but missed a contested mid-range jumper with Al Horford in his grill that could have tied the game at 90. Neither Steph Curry nor Klay Thompson (combined for 22 points on 32 shots) could really get it going and, outside of a pair of first half threes from Nick Young, the bench didn’t help much either.

The other big development from this game was the continued rise of Jaylen Brown, who had a decent rookie year but looks poised to become a star as a sophomore. We’ve been able to see his defensive ability and his pure athleticism in the past, and now the playmaking and shooting is coming into form. He scored a team-high 22 points (with 7 rebounds), hit a few threes, had a massive block on Klay and forced a bunch of turnovers. The dude can fill up a box score, at both ends of the floor.

Rockets 142 (12-4), Suns 116 (5-11)

This one was a blowout from the get-go. The Rockets dropped 45 in each of the first two quarters — resulting in 90 first half points, tied for the 2nd-most in NBA history — to take a 25-point lead. As you’d expect, James Harden was the driving force behind that as he dropped 33 points by the break on an absurdly efficient 12 shots. He wound up with 48, just eight shy of the career-high he set earlier this season.

CP3 also returned from the knee injury that has kept him out of Houston’s lineup since the season opener in Oakland. He was held to 21 minutes but looked pretty sharp, posting a 11-point, 10-assist double-double. The Rockets did fine in his absence — they went 10-4 — but the offense is a whole different animal with Paul in the lineup, who easily weaved through the Suns’ defense to find Houston’s deadly three-point shooters.

Troy Daniels (23 points) and Greg Monroe (20 points, 11 rebounds) led the way for Phoenix, which had no answer for the Rockets’ up-tempo attack all night. Devin Booker added 18 points and 10 dimes.

James Harden did it all on Thursday. Almost literally. Not only did he have a triple-double (35 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds), but The Beard filled the stat sheet like no one in the NBA has in 30 years. James Harden: First player in last 30 seasons with 35+ PTS, 10+ AST, 10+ REB & […]

James Harden erupted tonight for 56 points on 19-25 shooting. He torched the Jazz, the third-best defense in the League, while leading the Rockets to a 137-110 win. Houston built a 32 point lead in the third quarter, thanks to a monstrous effort from Harden. When he wasn’t scoring, he was dishing, recording 13 assists. He also had 2 steals and 2 rebounds. Watch Harden’s bucket-binge in the video above.

Gordon pumped-faked a lunging Joel Embiid, took one dribble, and then buried a 3 at the horn over an outstretched Embiid that completed a furious rally and lifted the Rockets to a 105-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

“It’s a learning experience,” Embiid said. “We’re going to need that in the future. We’re young. That’s not an excuse, but we can all get better.”

Embiid, the 7-foot center out of Cameroon, again had the Sixers playing like a playoff team and not pushovers when he’s healthy and energized. His 3 off the glass from the top of the arc in the fourth gave the Sixers a nine-point lead. Embiid pointed toward the sky as he ran back on defense and his bucket about blew the roof off an arena packed with fans who have had little reason to cheer the last five years.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/joel-embiid-im-not-made-glass/feed/02017 Mitchell LeffPHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts from the floor in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rockets defeated the 76ers 105-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)James Harden And Mario Chalmers Scuffle in Grizzlies Winhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-mario-chalmers-scuffle-grizzlies-win/
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Bucks 108 (1-0), Celtics 100 (0-2) It was an emotional night in Boston as the Celtics were still reeling from Gordon Hayward’s frightening injury on Tuesday. Hayward spoke to the crowd at TD Garden before the game in a pre-recorded video, telling fans and teammates he was going to be OK. His teammates did their […]

Those were two of his 37 points and he was crucial in helping his team overcome a 14-2 Boston run that put the Celtics up six with nine minutes to go. The Bucks outscored the Celtics 28-14 the rest of the way.

It was the second straight loss for a Celtics team that is nevertheless still filled with talent and potential. Jaylen Brown had 18 and Kyrie Irving had 17 for Boston.

Magic 116 (1-0), Heat 109 (0-1)

The Magic led 97-80 with 9:58 to play. Seven minutes later, it was a two-point game.

Evan Fournier had seven points over the final 2:27 to make sure the Magic did not squander the lead completely, as the Magic held on to beat their in-state foes and start the season on a winning note. Fournier led the Magic with 23 points, while Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 13 rebounds. Hassan Whiteside had 26 to lead Miami.

Pistons 102 (1-0), Hornets 90 (0-1)

With a little help from Eminem, the Pistons opened their season with a hard-fought win over the Hornets.

Wall finished with 27 points, while Marcin Gortat was a monster inside. He had 16 points and 17 boards.

The youthful Sixers were in it until the end. They used a 17-6 second quarter run to erase an early deficit and go into the locker room up three. The kids all shined for Philadelphia — Ben Simmons had 18 and 10, Joel Embiid had 18 and 13, and last year’s No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz came off the bench to add 10 more. The veterans did their part as well, namely JJ Reddick, who shot 4-8 from three and Robert Covington, who was 7-11 from long range and scored a game-high 29.

Grizzlies 103 (1-0), Pelicans 91 (0-1)

Dillon Brooks had 19 points in his NBA debut to help lift the Grizzlies to a season-opening victory.

Perhaps the highlight of the night, however, wasn’t anything that happened on the court. The Grizzlies gave Pelicans guard Tony Allen a special tribute between the first and second quarters, thanking him for his seven years in Memphis.

The usual suspects were at it again for the Pelicans: Anthony Davis had 33 points and 18 rebounds, and DeMarcus Cousins had 28 and 10.

Pacers 140 (1-0), Nets 131 (0-1)

Defense was optional in Indianapolis as the Pacers and Nets opened their seasons with a back-and-forth shootout. 10 Pacers saw action and eight scored in double figures, including Myles Turner, who had a double-double with 21 and 14, to go with four blocks.

D’Angelo Russell led all scorers with 30 points on 12-22 shooting with five assists.

For Brooklyn, however, an apparent knee injury to Jeremy Lin is much more of a concern than the first-night loss. Lin fell on a layup attempt and needed to be helped to the locker room. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Lin will be evaluated Thursday.

Brooklyn’s Jeremy Lin will undergo evaluation of right knee in New York Thursday, league source tells ESPN. Tremendous concern on injury.

That was two of Joe Johnson’s 13 points off the bench and it was the beginning of a comeback that carried into the fourth quarter, where the Jazz outscored the Nuggets 28-13. Utah took the lead for good on a three from Alec Burks with just under 10 minutes to play.

Rudy Gobert had 18 to lead the Jazz, while Will Barton had 23 for the Nuggets.

Spurs 107 (1-0), Timberwolves 99 (0-1)

The 2017-18 edition of the LaMarcus Aldridge Show tipped off with a flourish, as he scored 25 points to go with 10 rebounds and four assists. Perhaps no play, however, quite as impressive as this one:

Mike D’Antoni jokingly clapped back at Draymond Green‘s criticism of the Houston Rockets’ porous defense Tuesday night, quipping that the Golden State Warriors don’t care about defending either following a thrilling 122-121 season-opening victory at Oracle Arena.

MDA on Draymond Green's comment: Somebody said we don't take it seriously on defense. Well obviously, they don't take it seriously either"

“Somebody said we don’t take it seriously on defense,” D’Antoni said. “Well, obviously (the Warriors) don’t take it seriously either. We scored pretty good. I think both teams take it seriously. We did play well, and it’s a big push for us. We want to be a good defensive team, but when you play against guys like that, you better be able to score the ball. We were able to do both.”

The Rockets offense remains vital against the Warriors. In the past two seasons, when the Warriors score 120 or more points, they are 30-0 against the rest of the NBA; 1-2 against the Rockets. But as much the Rockets rely on their high-scoring offense, they knew they had to improve on the other end, and cited the season-opener as a sign of progress.

“We talk about it all the time,” Rockets guard James Harden said. “That’s our identity. Obviously, we can score with the best of them. Defensively, if we want to get where we want to go, we have to get stops. We played against this past year’s No. 1 offense, it was a good test for us.

“We got a chance, man. We got a chance. We have to do it consistently, not just get up for the Warriors, but make sure we take care of business every single night. Defensively, if we lock in and pride ourselves on getting stops, offensively, we have more than enough weapons. That’s what we have to do.”

Green says the Dubs aren’t just focused on getting buckets—getting stops is just as important.

Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni seems intent on winning shootouts—which his squad did in a nail-biter Tuesday night—and basically admitted during the preseason that Houston wouldn’t be able to put the clamps on Golden State.

“They want it to be a shoot out, which is fine,” Green said. “But we’re going to play some defense. We scored pretty well. But we’re a damn good defensive team too. So we’re going to play some defense.”

The Golden State Warriors received their diamond-encrusted championship rings Tuesday night, but it was the Houston Rockets who left the gym happiest, having just hung on for a dramatic 122-121 victory.

Kevin Durant‘s would-be game-winning baseline jumper was waived off after replays showed the ball still in his hands with a fraction of a second remaining in the game.

“I thought it had a chance but I knew it was a little late. I knew I was cutting it close,” Durant said. “Tough loss. First game of 82, we’ve definitely got to move on. We’ve got to get better.”

Chris Paul had four points on 2-for-9 shooting in his Rockets debut, while Harden scored 27 points, Eric Gordon 24 and Tucker 20 for the Rockets. Houston opened the fourth with a 9-0 run to get back in it.

“They came out and threw their best punch and it took us a while to adjust,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “The last quarter we held them to 20. We’re not going to do much better than that.”

“It better not be an issue,” Harden said. “I study the game so much. I’m a student of the game. Every year I come back, I try to be better. A foul is a foul no matter where it is being called. It’s a foul. You can’t pick and choose when not to call fouls.”

Harden had held the NBA record for drawing three-shot fouls with 44 in the 2015-16 season. Last season, he drew 122. The next most was Lou Williams’ 49.

“Whatever it is, they better figure it out,” Harden said. “I’m still going to do what I do, still be aggressive and try to help my team get wins.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-not-sweating-the-james-harden-rule/feed/02016 Lachlan CunninghamOAKLAND, CA - APRIL 18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts to a referee's call in the second quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on April 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)James Harden Calls Kevin McHale a ‘Clown’http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-calls-kevin-mchale-clown/
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“He’s a clown. Honestly,” Harden said. “I did anything and everything he asked me to do. I tried to lead this team since I stepped foot here in Houston. To go out there and downplay my name, honestly, he’s never taught me anything to be a leader. But I’ve done a great job. The organization, my coaches. You can ask any of those guys how I worked extremely hard every single day to, obviously, be a better basketball player, but to be a leader as well, defensively as well.”

McHale went 193-130, the best winning percentage of any coach in Rockets history, other than Mike D’Antoni, who led the Rockets to a 55-27 record last season. Harden was the runner-up for MVP in the 2014-15 season under McHale and again last season while playing for D’Antoni.

“To downplay my name like that, it shows his character,” Harden said. “I usually don’t go back and forth on social media with anybody or with interviews. But it’s time to stand up for myself. You just don’t go and do that. It shows what type of person he is.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-calls-kevin-mchale-clown/feed/02013 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 26: James Harden #13 and Kevin McHale, Head Coach, of the Houston Rockets talk after the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 26, 2013 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)SLAM Top 50: James Harden, No. 6http://www.slamonline.com/nba/slam-top-50-james-harden-no-6/
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Regardless of how you feel about his defense, it was one of the best single season performances the League has ever seen on the offensive end.

And if it weren’t for his former teammate Russell Westbrook having an even more otherworldly season, claiming the MVP award seemed very probable.

It was a season filled with all types of career highs, despite a coaching change as well as a position change.

Mike D’Antoni took over the helm for the Houston Rockets last year and one of his first executive decisions was to make James Harden the new point guard of the franchise.

And the rest is history. The numbers speak for themselves.

Harden went on to average 29.1 points per game—a career-high and only second in the League to Westbrook’s 31.6—and 11.2 assists per game—also a career-high and a League-best for 2016-17. He also finished No. 1 in both free throws attempted and made for the third consecutive season.

The 6-5 guard joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to average at least 29.0 points, 11.0 assists and 8.0 rebounds (he averaged 8.1 boards) in a single season. The Big O reached this feat three times throughout his career.

Additionally, he became the first NBA player to ever record at least 2,000 points, 900 assists and 600 rebounds in a single season.

Coming into last season, Harden had accumulated nine triple-doubles throughout his career. But then he posted 22 triple-doubles in 2016-17 alone, which is the sixth-most ever recorded in a single season. His 53-point, 17-assist, and 16-rebound performance on New Year’s Eve against the New York Knicks made him the first player in NBA history to ever record at least 50 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists in a single game.

After leading the Rockets to the fourth-most regular season wins (55) in franchise history, Harden became the only player to be unanimously voted (all 100 ballots) into the ’16-17 First-Team All NBA selection.

And then June 28th happened. In a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves throughout the League, the Clippers sent nine-time NBA all-star Chris Paul to the Rockets in exchange for Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, a protected first-round pick and $661,000.

Adding a superstar point guard to a backcourt that already featured the NBA’s reigning assist leader immediately made Houston one of the most intriguing line-ups in the Association.

Yet, the billion-dollar question remains: Can Chris Paul and James Harden coexist in the backcourt? And how will his numbers be affected by the move?

The two ranked among the NBA’s top four players in assist rate last season (Harden 50.7% and Paul 46.8%). On paper the opportunities seem bountiful. But executing it and meshing on the hardwood is another conversation.

The season-ending loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals this past spring was everything but representative of Harden’s season. He was held to just 10 points on 2-for-11 shooting to go along with six turnovers before fouling out. The LA native just seemed to have ran out of gas after putting the team on his back throughout the season. And this is where adding a player of Paul’s caliber can make a difference by now possessing another all-star guard to carry the load on nights when things just aren’t clicking for the other.

Harden broke the all-time single-season record for turnovers last season with 464. The previous all-time record was set by Harden himself just a year prior when he had 374 of them. With Paul now also running point, the turnover totals should decrease this season.

D’Antoni has said Harden and CP3 will both share playmaking responsibilities for the squad this year, to which Harden has described as very promising thus far.

After a practice session a couple of weeks ago, he told the Houston Chronicle of sharing the floor with CP3: “I’ve had more catch-and-shoot opportunities, he has as well, in these four days of training camp than we’ve had in a few years,” Harden said. “It hasn’t been tough because we’re willing to share the ball … and make plays for our teammates and ourselves. I’m going to have that same mentality to score and create, but I don’t have to do it as much because we have another guy that can do it on a high level.”

He was asked to make an adjustment in the backcourt last season and went on to have a historic year. Now he’s being asked to do so again. But this time he’s being asked to mesh with one of the best pure point guards in the NBA.

When it comes to making adjustments, we think Harden has earned the benefit of the doubt that it’s something he can do rather quickly.

Previous Rankings:2016: No. 72015: No. 62014: No. 92013: No. 5

Rankings are based on expected contribution in 2017-18—to players’ team, the NBA and the game.

Where is Houston in the Western Conference hierarchy with the addition of Chris Paul?

McHale: “I think it makes them a much better team because you had James Harden with the ball, fantastic with the ball, great passer. The guy’s got phenomenal vision. Talk about vision, James can see all the passes and do everything.

“But James is not a leader. He tried being a leader last year, tried doing that stuff. I think Chris Paul is going to help him just kind of get back into just being able to hoop and play and stuff like that.

“But on every team you have to have a voice. On every team, you have to have somebody that when they say something, people listen.

“Look, if James tells you, ‘Chuck, you got to play better D.’ You listening to him? You got to be kidding me. I lived through it, believe me. Everybody in the locker room did this [hand on forehead].

“Every time he mentioned defense, everybody would put their head down, like you got to be kidding me.” […]

“I just think that Chris Paul will be good for James Harden. It will allow him to be what he is which is a phenomenal basketball player—not trying to lead a team, that’s just not his personality.”

Carmelo Anthony said in a SiriusXM interview that there was a trade in place on the night of the NBA Draft that would have sent both he and Paul George to Cleveland.

“Me and PG have a very close friendship. Actually, it was funny because me and PG was supposed to be in Cleveland on draft night. we were communicating about that. The deal was actually done and it got called off on draft night, so me and PG stayed connected throughout the course of the season.”

Anthony also nearly ended up joining the Houston Rockets this summer, before ultimately becoming a member of the Thunder.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/carmelo-anthony-paul-george-supposed-cleveland/feed/02016 Joe RobbinsINDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 24: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks and Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers look on during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 24, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)Carmelo Anthony: ‘A Deal Was Done’ With Rocketshttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/carmelo-anthony-deal-was-done-rockets/
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The Bucks were reportedly approached to facilitate a trade, but ultimately, nothing progressed.

One name that came up in those (very) preliminary talks? Bucks forward Jabari Parker, per league sources.

It’s unclear which side — the Knicks or Bucks — brought up Parker’s name. What is clear is that Parker would have been part of an outgoing package that included a larger Bucks contract, such as John Henson’s or Greg Monroe’s.

If that deal had come to fruition, the Knicks would have received the type of return they’d long hoped for in an Anthony trade: a young player on a below-market contract in Parker.

Fertitta, the world’s richest restauranteur, has “no other partners in connection with the transaction,” according to the Rockets.

HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets today announced that a definitive agreement has been signed for the purchase of the NBA franchise by Houston businessman Tilman J. Fertitta, sole owner of the Landry’s restaurant empire and Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels.

The transaction, which includes operation of the Toyota Center Arena, requires the approval of the NBA Board of Governors. Terms of the sale were not disclosed, and Mr. Fertitta has no other partners in connection with the transaction.

Longtime Rockets owner Leslie Alexander put the team up for sale back in July.

“Obviously, the city is devastated,” Harden said. “We have to push forward. We have to find a way to get through it. We have to find a way to help the community out as much as possible. Reached out to the mayor. We wanted to help out and make sure we get the help where it needed to be.”

Harden had been in discussions since last Sunday about his plans with the announcement timed for his return to town and meeting with [Mayor Sylvester] Turner.

“This is home for me,” Harden told media at the convention center. “I wanted to say thank you to J.J. Watt for what he’s doing for the city. Thank you to the mayor for helping me. I just want to donate and give back to the community as much as I can.

“I’m going to donate $1 million to the city and areas that need it and people that need it to make the city stronger and put smiles on some faces.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-says-hell-rocket-life/feed/02017 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - MAY 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)Rockets Owner Donating $10 Million for Hurricane Harvey Reliefhttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/rockets-owner-donating-4-million-hurricane-harvey-relief/
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Harden says that with the CP3 signing, the Rockets are now “right there” with the NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

Harden, 27, re-upped in H-Town on a massive extension this summer.

Per USA Today:

Harden, who joined Oscar Robertson as the only other player to average at least 29 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds per game in the regular season but also had a career-high usage rate of 34.1, looked tired at the end. So he added yoga and pilates to his [offseason] routine, focused on his rest and tweaked his diet. The goal, of course, is to make the most of this opportunity he has to create the league’s latest dynamic duo with Paul.

“I just knew that in the summertime obviously (Paul) was a free agent, and I wanted to see where his head was,” Harden said of Paul, who will now be a free agent next summer. “He didn’t seem happy, so after that we just took it from there.

“Obviously Golden State has been in the Finals and won two out of three, so that’s what everybody is trying to build up against. But we’re right there. We’re right there. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do, but it definitely puts us in a better chance.”

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-chris-paul-didnt-seem-happy/feed/02015 NBAEHOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and Chris Paul #3 of the Los Angeles Clippers shake hands before the game on December 19, 2015 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)James Harden and Chris Paul vs John Wall in Charity Gamehttp://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-chris-paul-vs-john-wall-charity-game/
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Harden and his foundation donated backpacks and school supplies to 150 children, and provided $100,000 to Texas Southern University to assist students in financial need.

Per the Houston Chronicle:

It was Paul’s late free throws that iced a 108-103 victory for Big Tony, Paul and Harden’s team.

“Obviously, Chris is out there, but I’m thankful for the other guys, you know, true friends,” Harden said.

The backcourt tandem was joined by Rockets teammate Clint Capela along with veteran NBA players Demar Derozan, Tyler Ennis and Josh Smith.

LaFlame, their opponent Sunday, featured Wall, Marcus Morris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, among others.

“We’re brothers, man. This thing is bigger than basketball,” said Harden, who signed a four-year contract extension worth $228 million. “They get a chance to come show support, especially for a good charity weekend.”

Anthony remains steadfast that he only plans to waive his no-trade clause for the Rockets and refuses to expand his list to include more possible destinations, league sources said.

Nevertheless, no pathway has emerged for a deal directly between the two teams, and finding a broader package to include forward Ryan Anderson and the three years and $60 million left on his contract remains problematic, league sources said.

The Knicks remain willing to start training camp with Anthony, 33, on the roster, and a real scenario exists in which the Rockets and Anthony remain patient that a deal could have to wait until the regular season is underway, league sources said. The Knicks want to trend younger, building around Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr., and Anthony playing a significant role could stifle their development.

Houston wants Anthony to join a lineup with James Harden and Chris Paul primarily to make a run in the playoffs together, and an in-season deal could still give them ample time to build chemistry for the postseason. Anthony and Paul are close friends.

]]>http://www.slamonline.com/nba/rockets-knicks-re-start-carmelo-anthony-trade-talks/feed/02016 Getty ImagesHOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 04: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks walks across the court during their game against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on October 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)James Harden Covers NBA Live 18http://www.slamonline.com/nba/james-harden-covers-nba-live-18/
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“Harden’s deadly shooting and passing game has made the world take notice. His shooting guard offense makes step-back jumpers, the Euro step, and his rule-bending style the most exciting in the game today.”